Governance

Discover how economic turbulence impacts M&A strategies and learn best practices for transaction readiness. Download the full Diligent report.

The first half of 2026 marked a pivotal shift in shareholder activism and corporate governance. While proxy contests declined, activism evolved with investors increasingly favouring negotiated settlements, strategic M&A campaigns and operational demands centred on AI, capital allocation and board oversight. The Proxy Season Review 2026 from Diligent Market Intelligence in association with Sodali & Co and Sullivan & Cromwell brings together exclusive data, expert analysis and real-world case studies to explain the trends that defined the season and what boards, advisors and investors should expect next. Inside the report you'll discover: - Why M&A re-emerged as the defining activist strategy, with push-for-sale demands rising by almost 50%. - How activists are increasingly securing board representation through negotiated settlements rather than contested proxy fights. - The growing influence of artificial intelligence on activist campaigns, board oversight and executive compensation. - What changing SEC policy and a sharp decline in shareholder proposals mean for governance professionals. - The latest trends in CEO pay, say-on-pay voting and remuneration scrutiny. Regional analysis of shareholder activism across the U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada and Australasia. - The season's most significant activism campaigns, along with practical insights from leading advisers at Sodali & Co and Sullivan & Cromwell on preparing for an increasingly unpredictable activism landscape. Whether you're responsible for corporate governance, investor relations, stewardship, legal strategy or activism defence, this report provides the data and market intelligence needed to understand how the proxy landscape is changing, and how organisations can prepare for what comes next.

Build a future-ready boardroom in 2026. Discover how public company directors are navigating AI, M&A and economic risks in our latest report.

Discover insights from the Elevate Leadership Summit 2026. Learn how boards are navigating AI strategy, M&A risk, and succession with continuous governance.

See how FMC Corporation achieves faster completion and fewer manual errors by managing boards, entities, and D&O processes on one secure platform.

In this episode of the Corporate Director Podcast, Lululemon board director and author Kathryn Henry unpacks how personal adversity reshaped their approach to leadership and governance. They discuss why today’s most effective directors lead with curiosity, emotional intelligence and service to all stakeholders – not just technical expertise. Hear practical ideas for building trust in the boardroom, having the hard conversations, reading what’s left unsaid, and working productively amid uncertainty, AI disruption and competing stakeholder expectations. Kathryn also shares their passion for mentoring the next generation of leaders and why boards must embrace broader, more diverse perspectives to meet the challenges ahead. If you find this conversation useful, please rate and review the Corporate Director Podcast in your podcast app to help other governance leaders discover it. Further resources: Explore Diligent Institute’s latest research on board effectiveness, stakeholder governance and AI in the boardroom, and look out for Kathryn Henry’s memoir A Dime to Say I Love You for more on their leadership journey.

Explore how the latest Diligent Boards, Entities and Compliance updates help teams plan further ahead, gain clearer visibility into complex structures, and manage governance and compliance more effectively across jurisdictions.

Opposition to announced M&A transactions has become a persistent feature of today’s public-company landscape. In volatile markets, investors are increasingly challenging not only deal price, but also timing, process and strategic rationale, creating new risks for boards seeking shareholder support. Drawing on nearly 300 activist campaigns opposing the sale of U.S.-listed companies since 2015, this Diligent Market Intelligence report examines how and why investors contest transactions, the tactics activists use to build leverage, and what drives campaign success. Discover key trends, data-driven insights and practical guidance to help boards, executives and advisors anticipate shareholder concerns, strengthen deal narratives and navigate contested transactions with confidence. Register now to access the full report.

Diligent has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning six 2026 TrustRadius Top Rated Awards, the most in its history, based on genuine customer feedback. Recognized in categories like Board Management and Governance, this award reflects Diligent's commitment to enhancing enterprise governance by providing effective tools that meet the needs of its users.

Discover the latest updates in Diligent Boards and Entities that streamline governance processes, enhance collaboration, and bolster security. From custom agenda templates to AI-driven bulk uploads, these features empower teams to work smarter and more efficiently. Explore how Diligent is transforming board and entity management to save time and improve control over critical workflows.

Discover how Optimizely transformed board approvals, cut manual work and improved compliance with Diligent Boards. Download the full case study now.

Join Kathryn Henry and Dottie Schindlinger in this insightful fireside chat from Diligent Elevate 2026, as they discuss the four key signals that distinguish trusted leaders from managers in the boardroom, emphasizing the importance of service-oriented leadership and the ability to navigate unspoken dynamics for effective governance.